College football’s first big recruiting weekend of summer will be a blast: High stakes for Alabama, USC, more

The next four weeks in college football recruiting calendar is basically the equivalent of an extended Mardi Gras, the College football Qualifiers and NFL Draft put it in the blender and spit it out like you’re recruiting nirvana. The dispute for official visits have been months and months in preparation, and there will be many prospects who end up committing instead of making their second, third or even fourth scheduled official visit.

So, as Visitpalooza gets into full swing with recruits traveling to their destinations Thursday night or Friday, 247Sports experts from coast to coast have broken down the biggest visits they’re tracking during the first weekend of recruiting. complete of the 2025 cycle. Don’t wait for Class of 2025 recruiting rankings look the same in a few days.

Crimson Tide featuring QB Keelon Russell

“There are several tasty stories during the first full week of official visits, but Duncanville Top247 QB Keelon Russellin trip to the Alabama ranks on the top. SMU’s commitment made his official visit to the Mustangs last week, and Rhett Lashlee and his staff will likely be counting down the minutes this weekend as Russell visits Tuscaloosa.

Alabama has been the most dangerous candidate in this race the last two months, and Kalen DeBoer has the ability to make a strong pitch after developing Michael Penix. Russell has been outspoken about wanting to play on a big stage and win at a high level, and the Crimson Tide could make their move with the best passer in the state of Texas this weekend.” -Mike Roach, 247Sports

Adds 247Sports’ Tom Loy, who says he’s close to making a 247Sports Crystal Ball prediction for the Tide to get Russell: “Florida, Ole Miss, Oregon and others are doing everything they can to get him from the Mustangs, but no one is pushing the right buttons like the Tide.”

Clemson’s top target escaping

Tigers should bounce back with 5-star OT David Sanders

“Clemson bet on its smallest network of potential customers. But the Tigers got burned last cycle, specifically along the offensive line. They expect a better strike rate this cycle. That’s why Clemson guest list this weekend, which is headlined by five stars David Sanders Jr.the nation’s No. 1 offensive tackle, who plays a few hours away from campus at Charlotte Providence Day in North Carolina.

Clemson was once considered the favorite, but I still like Tennesseeespecially coming off another trip to Knoxville last weekend. I would put Ohio State second, and Clemson and Georgia competing to complete the top three. But can Clemson take action this weekend and demonstrate to Sanders and his family why this should be the landing spot? I wouldn’t rule out the Tigers’ chances at this stage. But it is equally important – if not more so – to highlight that the Tigers are not aheadand it would take a change in trajectory for Clemson to win.” – Anna Adams, 247 Sports

Michigan prepares for crucial weekend

Can the Wolverines make up ground with the lean PSU?

“Washington (DC) Gonzaga four-star safety Kainoa Winston has long been considered a Penn State lean into recruiting circles and go beyond cousin KJ Winston playing for the Nittany Lions. The nation’s No. 43 overall prospect has been to campus several times, and he is officially visiting June 7th to 9th. However, the wolverines get your first crack at the official visit tour and there is the opportunity to set the standard. Winston visited campus in the spring and made a big impression, and the academic and athletic fit makes sense. Winston, who is 5-foot-11, 185 pounds and burned, is being compared to Mike Sainristil. He had a similar body type and athletic profile coming out of high school, and the coaching staff is emphasizing that. Michigan has to make up ground with Winston heading to Penn State the following week. Official visits to Oregon (June 14) and North Caroline (June 21) are also on Winston’s schedule, but the schools to watch are Michigan and Penn State. – Brian Dohn, 247 Sports

UM wants to set high standards with 4-star pass-rusher

“No. 1 defensive recruit in Northern California, Danville (Calif.) San Ramon Valley, four-star edge rusher Marco Jones I was Michigan last month for a unofficial visit. Shortly afterwards, he appointed his 10 best and configure a official visit with the Wolverines. They brought two coaches to see him last week before the evaluation period wrapped up and stood out in the bi-sport event, which also plays baseball, a top priority. He also has some Big Ten roots-Anwawn Jones, his father, played for Northwest before being transferred to Colorado with Gary Barnett, who coached Northwestern (1992-98) and Colorado (1999-05). Jones always wanted to leave the state. This will be his first official visit, but he will be able to set a high standard.” -Brandon Huffman, 247Sports

USC trying to load up during Big Ten move

4-star OT Aaron Dunn is a big priority

“USC is poised to join the physical Big Ten and one of the main points of focus on the recruiting trail has been adding size and strength on offense. The transfer portal has been a good way for the Trojans to replenish with immediate depth, but when there is an elite striker in their box, they leave something to be desired. This weekend could go a long way toward rectifying that, and look no further than the four-star offensive tackle Aaron Dunnthe second-ranked player in the state of Utah, a graduate of Spanish Fork High School, and a promising 6-foot-2, 290-pound tackle with excellent athleticism.

“Dunn arrived in Los Angeles to get an up-close look at the Trojans this spring before taking officials to UCLA and BYU. There are still trips scheduled with Utah and Oregon before Dunn plans to leave the board. This is a great opportunity for USC to make your move to the highest rated tackle in the West and we expect Lincoln Riley to pull out all the stops in hopes of adding premium talent at a position of need.” -Blair Angulo, 247Sports

New conference presence helps with 5-star security

“Five-star safety Trey McNutt paid a visit to USC last May and the Shaker Heights superstar from Cleveland (Ohio) now returns to be an official. The No. 1 Safety in the Class of 2025 has connected well with the team and is open to attending the school further away from home (but it definitely helps that USC can announce how many games it will play near Ohio in the coming seasons).

“Ohio State and Oregon are two of the other candidates. The Buckeyes are an option in the state, but you won’t choose a school just because of its proximity. It appears that the Trojans have been a serious option since last spring’s offering, and after this official statement it should become clearer whether they are a top option or O school to beat entry to its other employees.” -Allen Trieu, 247Sports